CoCo

CoCo, my one year-old Airedale terror (Oops, did I actually say that? I meant “terrier”. LOL!) has just completed both of Matt’s Beginning and Beyond Basics classes. I wasn’t sure we would get through day one of the first class. CoCo spent most of her first class session pulling on her harness, raised up on her hind legs, and barking constantly at the other dogs. Poor Matt! I’m sure he wondered (as did I) what we were going to do with this one. We found out that CoCo is a frustrated greeter and is adamant about letting everyone know how much she would rather get to know them than learn anything related to obedience.

Matt was wonderful about answering questions and offering helpful suggestions like trying some of the BAT techniques (Behavior Adjustment Training) which really worked wonders with CoCo. I think we were both amazed at how much CoCo improved. Even the staff in the PetSense store in Tulare, where our first class sessions were held, was impressed. They continue to ask about CoCo whenever I go there. Don’t get me wrong, it has been a LOT of work on a daily basis, but the instruction we got from Matt was critical for those practice sessions.

As proof that CoCo was really learning her lessons I sent Matt this recent update: “CoCo and I were out for a walk yesterday when she put her nose to the ground and started serious sniffing in the dirt. Next thing I knew she had something in her mouth. I didn’t know what it was so I said, “CoCo, drop it!” And she DID! Looked like cat poop, which is disgustingly her second favorite next to horse poop! LOL. I couldn’t believe she actually let it go. Anyway, I was extremely proud of her and thankfully had treats with me to reward her with.”

Matt is so patient and encouraging with both the dogs and their people that it was always a joy to be in class. CoCo and I benefitted greatly from his gentle approach to dog training. And CoCo found a friend in Timber who plays just like she does. Those two had crazy fun together.

For the quality of training and opportunity to socialize with other dogs, Focused Dog Training is the best! Hoping Matt will create some more advanced classes for his graduates.

Susi Youngs
10-28-2013